More Chinese groups reject English move in vernacular schools

comments     Yusof Ghani     Published     Updated

The United Chinese School Teachers Association (Jiao Zong) and United Chinese School Committees Association (Dong Zong) today led other Chinese associations in rejecting the government's move to use English as the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics in Chinese schools from next year.

Speaking to the media after a meeting at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur, Jiao Zong chairperson Ong Chiow Chuan said the Chinese associations numbering more than 50 actually agreed with the government's aim to improve English among students but not with such an approach.

"The approach used [to improve English] must take into account the teaching of English itself," he read from a statement at the press conference which was also attended by Dong Zong chairperson Quek Suan Hing.

Ong said the Chinese associations did not agree with the government's approach after considering several factors, such as the absence of qualified teachers [to teach Science and Mathematic in English], teaching methodology and proper facilities.

The meeting, he said, also concluded that mother tongue is the best medium of instruction as endorsed by the United Nations and is also a common practice worldwide.

"Science and Mathematics must be taught in the mother tongue for students to achieve maximum results," he added.

Ong said the associations also expressed their concern that students will find it difficult to adjust to the new medium of instruction, and thus will see their performance affected.

"Students may not only fail to achieve the desired results, but also end up hating the subjects," said Ong.

Forward reasons to govt

Meanwhile, Jiao Zong vice-chairperson Loot Ting Yee said that the Chinese associations will put forward their stand and reasons to the government, adding that they would like to meet Education Minister Musa Mohamad to discuss the matter.

Asked if the BN Chinese component parties will support their stand, Loot said they (the parties) should be aware by now of the Chinese community's sentiments on the issue.

"They cannot claim they do not know. Today's meeting will be publicised in the press," he added.

Meanwhile, Federation of Malay Students Union (GPMS) president Suhaimi Ibrahim said the stand made by Dong Jiao Zong — the collective name of Jiao Zong and Dong Zong — and other Chinese associations was expected.

"It is better for the government to ignore the Chinese schools, because they believe they can be on their own without government support," said Suhaimi.

"If the BN Chinese parties cannot do anything to convince them to accept the government's policy, I think there is no need for (a Malay party) Umno to get involved as it will only lead to unwarranted consequences, such as in the Suqiu case," he added.

Suhaimi also urged the government to consider Chinese Malaysian students from national schools only for entry into Mara junior science colleges and the matriculation programme when both are open to the non-bumiputra next year.



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